IRISH PERFORMANCES OF THE WEEK

The action has been coming thick in fast in Ireland in the last week.

At Cork, Skywalker Barry clocked the fastest 525 run in seven months when taking the Clona Blaze At Stud Stakes in 28.16. The 28.13 semi final winner Scooby Princess had to overcome traffic in the Limerick Oaks Final but nevertheless extended her winning sequence to four.

Meanwhile Clonmel racegoers saw some of the best 2019 whelps in training in the eight first round heats of the Produce Stakes. The previously mentioned Deadly Destroyer was quickest on the clock (28.28) though Good Cody (28.52) deserves mention in having only half the experience and giving away eight months in age.

On the subject of pups, Ardnasool Jetson produced a memorable performance on debut – 21.23 for 400yds at Dundalk. His dad clocked 21.18/21.19 in his first two attempts over c&d, though he was four months older and three races wiser when he did it.

Staying with the puppy theme, Grangeview Mac gets consecutive mentions after landing his second round heat of an unraced stake at Kilkenny in 29.02. But there is plenty of quality on show. Glory Katy was only two spots slower and is a month younger.

It was September pup Crokers Spirit who headed the 525 performance list at Shelbourne this week where there was also interest in the Islandbridge Sprint semis. Paradise Mission won the quicker of the two.

Galway doesn’t flash up often in the column, but don’t miss the 30.08 run of Kibannon Pyscho for the 550 yard course – a time bettered only once in the last five years – and then only by one spot. There was also a fastest 525 of the year at Youghal for Black Malibu.

By the time you read this, the Irish Cesarewitch Final may have been decided. Likely favourite is Akay Forty Seven who is showing some of the extended four bend ability for which his dad was famous and landed the quickest semi final.

At Tralee, Tullig Goshen went quickest in the Lee Strand third round with a 30.02 run, though the story of Ballymac Rule is at least as interesting. Had the Irish coursing season taken place, he would probably be rested at this stage. Instead, his third round win extends his track career to eight unbeaten.